title: Computer proficiency questionnaire: assessing low and high computer proficient seniors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Computers and the Internet have the potential to enrich the lives of seniors and aid in the performance of important tasks required for independent living. A prerequisite for reaping these benefits is having the skills needed to use these systems, which is highly dependent on proper training. One prerequisite for efficient and effective training is being able to gauge current levels of proficiency. We developed a new measure (the Computer Proficiency Questionnaire, or CPQ) to measure computer proficiency in the domains of computer basics, printing, communication, Internet, calendaring software, and multimedia use. Our aim was to develop a measure appropriate for individuals with a wide range of proficiencies from noncomputer users to extremely skilled users.
  
  
  METHODS
  To assess the reliability and validity of the CPQ, a diverse sample of older adults, including 276 older adults with no or minimal computer experience, was recruited and asked to complete the CPQ.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The CPQ demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach's α = .98), with subscale reliabilities ranging from .86 to .97. Age, computer use, and general technology use all predicted CPQ scores. Factor analysis revealed three main factors of proficiency related to Internet and e-mail use; communication and calendaring; and computer basics. Based on our findings, we also developed a short-form CPQ (CPQ-12) with similar properties but 21 fewer questions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The CPQ and CPQ-12 are useful tools to gauge computer proficiency for training and research purposes, even among low computer proficient older adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee. boot@psy.fsu.edu.
authors.forename: Walter R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Boot
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Charness
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida.
authors.forename: Sara J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Czaja
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sharit
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.
authors.forename: Wendy A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.
authors.forename: Arthur D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Fisk
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mitzner
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida.
authors.forename: Chin Chin
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida.
authors.forename: Sankaran
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nair
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003201:Computers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011361:Professional Competence; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Education and training; Independence; Survey design; Technology